It’s Official! New AMEX Platinum (Personal and Business) Bonus Categories

Signing up for credit cards through partner links earns us a commission. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Here’s our full advertising policy: How we make money.

Update:   One or more card offers in this post are no longer available.  Check our Hot Deals for the latest offers. 

Earlier, I wrote an AMEX representative unofficially shared news that folks with the The Platinum Card® from American Express will soon earn 5X AMEX Membership Rewards points on airfare purchases.

Now, American Express has released a statement confirming the new bonus category will take effect October 6, 2016.

In addition, an AMEX spokeswoman announced folks with The Business Platinum Card® from American Express OPEN will earn 1.5X AMEX Membership Rewards points on purchases of $5,000+.

Its Official New AMEX Platinum Personal And Business Bonus Categories
Confirmed! The AMEX Platinum Personal and Small Business Card Will Have New Bonus Spending Categories!

I’ll share more about the official news!

New AMEX Platinum Bonus Categories

Link:   Associated Press AMEX Story

Link:   The Platinum Card® from American Express

Link:   The Business Platinum Card® from American Express OPEN 

As of October 6, 2016, the AMEX Platinum card will have a new bonus spending category.  You’ll earn 5X AMEX Membership Rewards points on airfare purchased directly from airlines or from American Express Travel.

And, you’ll earn 1.5X AMEX Membership Rewards points with the AMEX Business Platinum on purchases of $5,000 or more.  I’m disappointed that the 5X bonus for airfare won’t apply to the Business Platinum and that you earn 1.5X points only for a single purchase over $5,000.

Some folks were hopeful AMEX would announce a new card with a higher sign-up bonus to compete with the Chase Sapphire Reserve.  Or improved perks, like free checked bags and an easier-to-use airline credit.

There’ll be a media event later today detailing all the changes.  I’ll update you as soon as I have more information!

Bottom Line

Starting October 6, 2016, folks with the AMEX Platinum card will earn 5X AMEX Membership Rewards points on airfare purchased directly from airlines or from American Express Travel. .

And folks with the AMEX Business Platinum will earn 1.5X AMEX Membership Rewards points on purchases of $5,000+.

Editorial Note: We're the Million Mile Secrets team. And we're proud of our content, opinions and analysis, and of our reader's comments. These haven’t been reviewed, approved or endorsed by any of the airlines, hotels, or credit card issuers which we often write about. And that’s just how we like it! :)

Join the Discussion!

Comments are closed.